A Christmas wish list for local radio

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 17, 2004 by Lynn Arave Deseret Morning News

Which radio stations or DJs have been naughty or nice?

We won't go into that, but here's my Christmas wish list -- things I'd like to see more or less or not at all on local radio:

-- More DJs should encourage listeners NOT to make contest or comment calls from their cell phones while driving on the road.

-- Stations should not discard historic call letters just for the sake of a format change.

-- More stations should play fewer commercials in one block, which is something that Clear Channel does now.

-- At least some radio stations could take a tip from KTVX-Ch. 4, which sometimes points out that one minute of TV commercials remain before the newscast continues. If radio did that during some music breaks, more listeners might stay put.

-- Some AM stations should consider airing a live audio broadcast of a 5, 5:30 or 6 p.m. TV newscast, for the benefit of drivers struck in traffic or others who aren't near a television.

-- "Distant" or "Voice-tracked" DJs should occasionally mention where they are really broadcasting from.

-- Radio Disney (AM-910) should discontinue all rap music.

-- Some station ought to hire Tom Barberi for an on-air spot again, even if it's on a small AM station. The same wish goes for Mick Martin, a radio veteran who used to be on KURR.

-- More DJs should be more spontaneous.

-- Someone should simulcast KTVX-Ch. 4's "Good Things Utah" weekdays at 10 a.m. on the radio, so viewers wouldn't have to be tied to a TV set to get it.

KHQN RETURNS -- "Krishna" radio is back on the air after a four- year hiatus. Located at AM-1480, KHQN's signal is stronger than ever. (It has retired its 40-year-old Harris tube transmitter in favor of a new Nautel -- the "Cadillac" of transmitters.)

Programming is now all digitally fed from the computer, with no hissing or muffled sound. And the format includes dramas from Mahabharata and Ramayana, bhajans (devotional songs), kirtans (chanting), dhuns, etc., to appeal to devotees of the Krishna faith. The playlist currently includes 600 songs and 75 dramas.

If you can't get it on your radio (those outside Utah County may find it a challenge), go online to the station's Web site at www.utahkrishnas.com.

PORTABLE SATELLITE RADIO? -- Both XM and Sirius satellite have the next generation of receivers available or almost ready -- portable receivers for the home or for those on the go. This could make the service much more attractive than the original car-only version.

RADIO HAPPENINGS -- KODJ is offering a $9,400 holiday shopping spree at the University Mall to a lucky listener. Through Dec. 17, listeners who hear the cue to call may phone in to qualify for the grand prize. The actual shopping spree is Dec. 18, 3 p.m., and the winner will have 94 minutes to spend $9,400.

-- National research by the Edison company has found that success for stations who play all-holiday music hinges greatly on the versions of songs that they play. For example, Nat King Cole's version of the "Christmas Song" is a plus, while "Jingle Bells" by the Singing Dogs is a minus.

-- "Johnson and Johnson" on KUBL is sponsoring its seventh-annual "Christmas Wish" event. For more details, go online to www.kbull93.com. Also, for holiday music on demand, when you want it, KBEE (FM-98.7) and KENZ ("The End," FM-017.5) offer online links to play Christmas tunes through your computer -- www.b987.com or www.1075.com.

TEN YEARS AGO IN SALT LAKE RADIO -- KSOP celebrates its 30th birthday. . . . Chere Wood leaves KBZN and is replaced by Dale Nelson and Michele Morrison. . . . KSL's "Blue Chip" card returns. . . . Hans Petersen is laid off by KUMT . . . Tom Bock also loses his DJ job on sister station KMXB . . . Kelly Monson takes Petersen's place and "Peter B" replaces Bock. . . . KVRI's morning show brings back its "Polka Monster" segment.

E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com